This will be short since we just got back from China late last night. Still experiencing jet lag, but will jot a few notes down about the hotels in case that would be of help to anyone.
We went to Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou, and Shanhai.
Beijing Peninsula Hotel
Rooms: Stayed at Beijing Peninsula-it was wonderful. They had automatic switches to control just about everything. The staff was very courteous and very eager to help. The hotel itself was beautiful in the lobby and rooms. Everything was VERY accessible which we did not find in our other hotels. Very enjoyable stay, we were sorry to leave. Only one we stayed at that had a plasma TV and also mini TV in bathroom.
Foods: They have a wonderful daily breakfast buffet at Jing. I ate the same thing everyday-congee, salty eggs, pickled cucumbers, barb. pork buns, peanuts, wok fried noodles, sponge cake, I've forgotten the rest but I loved it!! They also have a wide variety of american breakfast items. The other restaurant had excellent dim sum which we enjoyed.
More: I found that most of the the reception folks and the concierge folks could speak English. But other than that, most do not. ie the housekeeping folks, the engineers who fix the rooms, many of the staff in the restaurants, etc. Anyway in short, we really liked the Beijing Peninsula.
Sofitel Hotel in Xian
This was supposedly the best hotel in Xian and the newest from what some said. We really disliked this hotel. There is an east and west wing. We were placed in the west wing. It's very inconvenient. We had to walk quite a distance to get to the morning breakfast, etc. This is fine if you have a lot of time, but when you want to see so much and are on tour, time is of the essence and it was inconvenient.
Then there are the rooms. We got in late, wanted to get to bed and get up early for the tour the next morning. First the toilets didn't flush. They sent a maintenance guy who didn't speak English who said he fixed it. I didn't check , just believed him. Then while taking a shower, the shower drain didn't drain. That was really disgusting. Then the sink water didn't drain. I called down and the same maintenance guy came. He just started banging on the drain with a wrench. I complained to the manager and they offered me a fruit basket. I said I don't want a fruit basket, I want a room that works!!. They did switch us to another room. That one still had the problem with the toilets, but was usable. You could tell it was really decorated nice and new, but things weren't constructed right. For instance when you slide the glass door to open, it doesn't follow the track right and runs into one of the bathroom fixtures. This was just my experience. Many of you could have had a great experience. We did relay our problems to our tour guide and she said she has had many similar complaints.
Shangri-La Hotel in Hangzhou
I liked that hotel, does show its age a bit. Same problem about a lot of walking up and down the halls to get to places. We didn't think to ask for rooms close to restaurants. Nice hotel, not as glitzy.
Food excellent in the main restaurant, blocking on the name, maybe Shang. They had the Hangzhou specialties of Dong Po pork (oh so yummy) and the crystal shrimp with tea leaves. Hangzhou food was very light and delicate. Very good. The banquet or buffet they had at night wasn't as good as ordering specific dishes for us.
JW Marriott in Shanghai
Again, an excellent hotel. Very convenient to get everywhere. Very fancy. Excellent view of the city. Great location for shopping. Rooms were VERY fancy. They excelled in service everywhere!! More people spoke English, but still limited. Very nice hotel but no plasma TV. Only hotel with many TV stations in English. TV really not too important since mostly out touring. Truly high class hotel. We were very impressed.
Author: Perry Anderson Date: June 05, 2008 |